Dyslexia: Assessment & Support

A lifetime member of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and a speaker for its Oregon Branch, Dr. Arnold stays current with the latest research in dyslexia and learning differences.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however, its impact can change at different stages in a person’s life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment, and in its more severe forms, will qualify a student for special education, special accommodations, or extra support services. – International Dyslexia Association website.

Ben Foss, Dyslexic adult and author sharing about The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan.

Dyslexia Treatment Goals:

  1. Biology: understanding Dyslexia in the brain (ie, auditory processing, spelling,  Executive Functioning)
  2. Acceptance: understanding the skills & weaknesses of Dyslexia without feeling bad or broken
  3. Advocacy:  how to teach teachers about Dyslexia & how to use accommodations
  4. Accommodations: specific tools that reduce impact of Dyslexia on academic performance
  5. Self-Esteem: you are more than your grades – how to balance friends, school, family time
  6. Tutoring: we will connect you with certified dyslexia tutors and assist in progress monitoring 

Dyslexia Tutoring 

We’re lucky to share our office with PDX Dyslexia Intervention, run by our longtime friend Miranda Barker. She and her staff offer Barton Reading & Spelling tutoring, both in person and online. That means families can go straight from an assessment with us to getting real help, right down the hall. Please contact PDX Dyslexia Intervention directly for more information. 

We’re also proud to recommend NW Dyslexia Center, owned by Alison Craker, LPC. Alison and Dr. Arnold were colleagues for many years, and Alison now runs her own practice offering ADHD and dyslexia counseling, dyslexia assessment, Barton tutoring and executive function training. Families can reach her directly through NW Dyslexia Center.